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October 23, 2011

"N. Korea courts the U.S." AP By Nate Thayer

N. Korea courts the U.S.

By Nate Thayer

April 17, 1992

The Associated Press

PYONGYANG, North Korea— North Korean dictator Kim Il-sung, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Wednesday, was quoted as saying it is time for better relations with the United States. "There is spring between the people of our country and the people of the United States, spring begins," Kim was quoted as saying in the Washington Times. "My wish is to establish (a U.S. Embassy in Pyongyang) as quickly as possible." He also reportedly said North Korea would turn over more remains of U.S. soldiers from the 1950-53 Korean War.

Tens of thousands North Koreans danced in Pyongyang's streets to celebrate Kim's birthday. Fireworks lasted more than two hours, and neon signs flashed socialist slogans.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the North Korean Ministry of Atomic Energy said Tuesday that international inspection of North Korean nuclear facilities could start any time after the end of May. At that time, "when they come for a first inspection, it is their decision; not ours," said Choe Jung-sung. He was referring to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, with which North Korea has concluded a safeguards agreement.

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"N. Korea courts the U.S." AP By Nate Thayer

N. Korea courts the U.S.

By Nate Thayer

April 17, 1992

The Associated Press

PYONGYANG, North Korea— North Korean dictator Kim Il-sung, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Wednesday, was quoted as saying it is time for better relations with the United States. "There is spring between the people of our country and the people of the United States, spring begins," Kim was quoted as saying in the Washington Times. "My wish is to establish (a U.S. Embassy in Pyongyang) as quickly as possible." He also reportedly said North Korea would turn over more remains of U.S. soldiers from the 1950-53 Korean War.

Tens of thousands North Koreans danced in Pyongyang's streets to celebrate Kim's birthday. Fireworks lasted more than two hours, and neon signs flashed socialist slogans.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the North Korean Ministry of Atomic Energy said Tuesday that international inspection of North Korean nuclear facilities could start any time after the end of May. At that time, "when they come for a first inspection, it is their decision; not ours," said Choe Jung-sung. He was referring to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, with which North Korea has concluded a safeguards agreement.